22
Almond Facts
JULY | AUGUST 2016
Blue Diamond
grower Matt Efird grew up in
Fresno knowing he would return to the family
farm after he finished his education. He earned
a degree in fruit science and agriculture business
from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and took his hard-
earned knowledge back home to become the fifth
generation of the Efird family to tend to the same
land that his great grandfather first settled on to
open a general store, farm and raise cattle.
“Being the fifth generation of my family to farm on this
land has given me a unique perspective. I definitely feel
like I am a steward of this land,” Efird explained. “This
land is not mine. It is the next generation’s if they so
choose to come back to it. I’m going to be as efficient as
I can and as productive as I can, but at the same time,
I’m preserving this land for future generations.”
DTN/The Progressive Farmer magazine first learned
about Efird’s farming operation when they reached out
to him for a story on how California growers are faring
in the fifth year of the drought. After the publication
learned the myriad irrigation technologies and strategies
Efird has implemented to manage the drought in his
operation, where he grows 1,500 acres of almonds,
walnuts, raisins and wine grapes, the writer called him
back and informed Efird that he had been nominated
for the organization’s America’s Best Young Farmers and
Ranchers Program for 2016. The program recognizes
leaders in production and management innovation, but
also highlights the honoree’s involvement in their home
communities. Efird earned the honor along with four
other agriculturalists from across the country.
Fresno Grower
Named One of
America’s Best
Young Farmers
Hank, Efird’s German shepherd, is a
vital member of Double E Farms.
